Libya: Eni and BP back on Libya's oilfields after an 8-year absence

Eni and BP have officially relaunched their exploration activities in Libya, marking a decisive turning point after a hiatus of almost ten years in their onshore operations, suspended since 2014. This resumption is part of a wider drive to revive oil activities in the country, with other major players such as Repsol and OMV also preparing to restart their exploration projects.

On Saturday 26 October, Eni began operations in Area B (96/3) of the Ghadames Basin, with the drilling of the A1-96/3 well, also known as the Hasheem Prospect. This well is the first to be drilled under the contractual obligations for this area, in accordance with the contract from the fourth round of bidding launched in 2007. Eni operates the area in partnership with BP and the Libyan Investment Authority, joining forces with major global players in the search for new energy resources for the country.

Located approximately 35 kilometres from the Wafa field and 650 kilometres from the capital, Tripoli, the A1-96/3 well is in an area rich in oil and gas potential. Mellitah Oil & Gas, a strategic partner of Eni and an experienced player in the region thanks to its development of the Wafa field, is supervising the drilling operations. Mellitah Oil & Gas' extensive expertise in managing oil projects in Libya ensures the safe and efficient execution of these works, despite the logistical and geopolitical challenges the country has faced in recent years.

The A1-96/3 well is expected to reach a final depth of 10,327 feet (3,147 metres), and several promising geological formations will be tested over the coming months. These formations could contain both oil and gas, confirming the significant energy potential of the Ghadames region.

The resumption of exploration activities by Eni and BP in Libya is an encouraging sign for the country's oil sector, which is seeking to regain its place on the international stage after years of disruption. Repsol, for example, is planning to relaunch its drilling activities in the Murzuq basin, while OMV is preparing to begin operations in the Sirte basin in the coming weeks. Taken together, these developments should give a new impetus to the Libyan oil industry, contributing to the country's economic recovery and stability.

The initial results of tests on the A1-96/3 well will be decisive in assessing the extent of resources in this area of the Ghadames basin. If the forecasts are confirmed, Libya could see renewed interest in its vast oil and gas resources, boosting its production capacity and exports.

This revival of activity, combined with effective collaboration between international and local players, could mark the start of a new era for the Libyan oil industry, stimulating both investment and domestic production.